Healthy Aging & Alzheimer's Research Care - HAARC Center

24/07/2025

22/07/2025

This July 22, World Brain Day reminds us that brain health matters at every age—from before birth to late adulthood. World Federation of Neurology - WFN

At HAARC, our research supports this mission by promoting brain-healthy habits like nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social connection early—and sustaining them throughout life. Together, we can build a future where every brain thrives.

18/07/2025

Edith Renfrow Smith just turned 111! 🎉 Join us in celebrating the incredible life of this SuperAger and trailblazer.

Watch the video and read more about her journey, legacy, and what keeps her going strong at 111:

Edith Renfrow Smith, the oldest participant in UChicago's SuperAging Research Initiative, celebrated 111 years of a remarkable life in July 2025.

17/07/2025

Join us for AAIC for All, a free virtual event open to the public, focused on the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia research and how it connects to healthy aging. Alzheimer's Association

We’re proud to share that Dr. Angela Roberts, lead of the Western University Enrollment Site for the SuperAging Research Initiative, will be speaking at the event.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from leading experts who are exploring why some older adults maintain exceptional memory.
The event takes place July 31, 2025, and is free to attend online.

Learn more and register at: https://www.alz.org/aaic-for-all/overview.asp

14/07/2025

Today we celebrate a truly extraordinary life. Edith’s journey has touched generations — as a teacher, a volunteer, a mother, a friend, and a shining example of what it means to live with purpose and kindness.

At 111 years young, her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire all of us at HAARC and beyond.

Please join us in sending love and birthday wishes to this incredible SuperAger! SuperAging Research Initiative

10/07/2025

What’s summer without an ice cream social? Our team had a great time at the Chicago Hyde Park Village Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social—even better with a few of our amazing SuperAgers in attendance!

Community partnerships like this one are at the heart of our outreach in the SuperAging Research Initiative. Learn how Chicago Hyde Park Village supports older adults in aging in place right here in Hyde Park: https://www.chpv.org/

08/07/2025

Meet Edith Renfrow Smith — born in 1914 in Grinnell, Iowa, the granddaughter of enslaved people and daughter of one of the town’s only Black families.

In 1937, she became the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College, majoring in psychology with minors in economics and sociology. She later moved to Chicago, where she raised a family, worked on redlining research at UChicago and taught in Chicago public schools for over 20 years. After retiring, Edith remained deeply involved in her community, volunteering into her late 90s at the Art Institute of Chicago and Goodwill.

In 2009, she was inducted into the Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in recognition of her lifelong service. Now at nearly 111, Edith continues to inspire generations through her story and her participation in UChicago’s SuperAging study.

23/06/2025

Important tips to help families keep their loved ones with dementia safe from heat-related illnesses during a heat wave.

23/06/2025

Talking, laughing, and sharing experiences with others helps stimulate your brain in meaningful ways.

Research shows that social isolation is a significant risk factor for dementia, especially in older adults. (Source: National Institute on Aging)

How are you staying socially connected this week? Tell us below.

19/06/2025

On Juneteenth, we reflect on the legacy of systemic injustice and the enduring importance of equity in health and research.
At the HAARC Center, we are committed to inclusive research that uplifts and represents historically marginalized communities.

Learn about how Chicago and the Chicagoland communities are commemorating this day through celebration and education: https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/special-events/celebrate-juneteenth-in-chicago/

18/06/2025

Clinical and cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Emily Rogalski shares a unique quality of "super agers"—folks who stay fit in their 80s and beyond—that's important to both brain and general health.

🎙️ Listen to the full podcast here: https://buff.ly/EePxLpr

16/06/2025

Sounds simple, but most of us aren’t doing it: dehydration shrinks brain tissue and affects memory, focus, and mood.

A 2022 study in Nutrients found that even mild dehydration led to slower reaction times and reduced short-term memory — especially in older adults.

✅ Tip: Aim for 6–8 cups of water a day. Add lemon, cucumber, or mint if plain water’s not your thing. Your brain cells need hydration to do their job.

Hydrated brain = sharper brain.